What to Wear to a Job Interview
Chances are, you are already nervous enough about your upcoming job interview.
Worrying about what you should wear is another stress you can do without. Or maybe you don’t give it much thought at all and just show up wearing what you’re wearing.
There are a few helpful things to keep in mind when trying to decide what to wear to a job interview. Having a good understanding of the company you are interviewing is a good start.
Let’s take a closer look at getting you through that interview–and landing the job!
What to Wear to a Job Interview
Knowing what you are facing with the dress code is a great way to start planning your interview outfit. If you can’t find out, it’s always best to be overdressed than underdressed.
Here are some common dress code terms and tips for preparing what to wear.
Business Attire
If you are interviewing for a job in a bank or law office, you should wear a suit and tie, dress or skirt, and nice shoes. If you are on a budget, you can get great finds at a store like International Clothiers.
Business Casual
If it is an office setting, like a school or business center, you should find out what they are wearing. If it is business casual, you might want to bump it up just a bit.
You don’t have to wear a ballgown or tuxedo–just enough to show you made an effort.
Casual
Even if you are applying to work in a warehouse, you still want to dress for success at the interview. No jeans or sneakers, please.
Wear a button shirt with a collar, dress pants, blazer and dressier shoes.
Clean Over Style
If you are job hunting, you may well be living on a tight budget. If that is the case, just make an effort.
Make sure your clothing is clean and not wrinkled. If the items you are wearing don’t match perfectly, at least find complementary colors.
No Scents
Lay off the perfumes, the aftershave and anything else that has a strong scent. Many places are scent-free workspaces, so don’t hose yourself down in any kind of scent.
Heavy Sweater
If you are considering perfume or cologne to cover up potential body odor from nervous sweating, use deodorant or antiperspirant.
You should also wear a jacket, blazer or something to cover yourself and hide your perspiration.
Uniforms
If you are interviewing for a place that provides a uniform, you could consider dressing in those colors. In a restaurant, for instance, you may decide to wear a white blouse with black dress pants.
That way, you look like you are ready to work and already fit in. It’s a small gesture that could work in your favor and show that you made an effort.
Wear It Well
Remember, you are there for your skills, not your dress sense. But what you wear to a job interview will matter.
If you are in dire straits, there are resources for underemployed, homeless and people living on assistance. Clean shoes, wrinkle-free, and making an effort in your appearance will show you care about getting the job.
Now that you know what to wear to a job interview, here are some tips from the other side of the desk.
